Renewable energy: Facts and legislation

Renewable energy can, at times, be a difficult concept for individuals, companies, and local governments to grasp.  Recently, we read an article that discussed how Virginians are mistakenly sticking to traditional electricity instead of embracing reusable energy because of its convenience and cost.  The article also highlighted some unknown facts about renewable energy and how legislation is encouraging increased use.  And while the article focuses on energy specifics in Virginia, many of the points are pertinent to everyone, nationwide.

Renewable energy can be derived from more forms than many are aware of, including wind, falling water, wave motion, waste, biomass, and tides. Though offshore wind is the most expensive of these resources, states are beginning to fund projects directed at finding innovative ways to reduce the cost of offshore wind development.  Massachusetts has developed Cape Wind, America’s first offshore wind farm, which is estimated to produce up to 420 megawatts of clean energy, while some electric companies, such as Virginia’s Dominion, have received grants to develop similar programs.

Many states have created benchmarks for energy companies when it comes to electricity and reusable energy.  Some, such as New Jersey and Maryland, have made it mandatory for electricity providers to generate a percentage of energy through renewable resources. Other states, including Virginia, have enacted soft standards, recommending percentages (15% by 2025), only giving bonuses if the goal is reached, but no penalties if it is not.

As a furniture refinishing and reupholstering company, we understand the importance of sustainability and reusing our environmental resources.  Because of this, we hope that states will continue to take action, whether through reusable energy mandates, or overarching legislature. Encouraging homeowners, companies, and the government to join together to go beyond the convenience of traditional resources is the only way to develop the discussion and further the fight for widely accepted renewable energy use.

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